For Immediate Release
Press Release
During the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) “Democracy Delivers” event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, USAID Administrator Samantha Power, in partnership with the Ford Foundation, convened government leaders, philanthropic partners, and civil society to increase support for democratic progress in Tanzania, among other select countries.
The United States announced $4.1 million for Tanzania, including $3.5 million in new support for democracy and good governance to include:
- $2.4 million to engage citizens in advocacy and oversight on good public governance in Tanzania. This funding will develop the capacity of citizen groups to access, analyze, and understand public financial reporting tools. It seeks to build collaborative relationships between citizens, civil society, the private sector, and public institutions to improve government effectiveness and reduce risks for corruption, and
- $1.1 million to provide civic education, enhance local and national election observation, and support civil society organizations in upcoming elections in Tanzania.
Tanzania Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa joined the event alongside leaders and senior representatives from countries whose citizens are working to deliver democratic change including: Armenia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Fiji, Guatemala, Malawi, the Maldives, Moldova, Nepal, Tanzania, and Zambia.
While highlighting additional support and celebrating the successes of these countries, the event also served as a reminder of the need for partnership for continued progress and reform. Administrator Power said, “As Tanzania approaches local elections later this year and national elections next year, we are here to support Tanzanians to stay the democratic course. We will continue to stand for every citizen's right to speak freely and choose the future that they want for themselves and their country. ”
As partners, the U.S. government recognizes that democratic journeys are never linear. That is why it is committed to supporting Tanzania and other Democracy Delivers countries to undertake and sustain democratic reforms. By prioritizing responsiveness to citizen needs and enhancing transparency and accountability, these commitments will strengthen government reform efforts and facilitate improvements to public services.